The hypothesis in this experiment is that bean seeds will sprout more quickly in Soil Type A. After four series of classroom observations, the data showed that in fact a greater number of seeds planted in Soil A sprouted. On the surface, this would lend support to the hypothesis. However, the percentage of seeds that sprouted in Soil A and Soil B were both very low and ended up being similar. In Soil A, 5 out of 75 seeds germinated, which was only 6.7%. In Soil B, 3 out of 55 seeds germinated, which was only 5.4%. At such low levels of germination, it is impossible to state with confidence that the soil type had any affect on bean seed germination.
Possible explanations for the low germination rate are centered on two problems. First, many students noticed a white filamentous mold growing both on bean seeds and on the top of both types of soil in the cups. This could be due to non-sterile conditions in the growth chamber or too much moisture in the general area of the growth chamber. Posters hung to shield the experiment from the other science classes may have acted like a barrier, preventing moisture from spreading out into the science room. Either the mold itself or the humid conditions that led to the mold growth may might have kept other seeds from sprouting. Secondly, some students did not plant their seeds exactly according to directions. This could have introduced other variables into the experiment that kept bean seeds from germinating.
Final analysis of the limited data we had led me to the conclusion that the bean seeds did not sprout faster in Soil A compared to Soil B, meaning that my hypothesis was proven wrong. Based on these results, one possible extension of this research would be to conduct the experiment in a less humid environment. Less water could be kept in the trays, and a small fan could be used to blow humid air out of the growth chamber. Additionally, a student could conduct further research on the effects of mold and/or humidity on the germination of bean seed.